i have a 2002 dakota with the 3.9 and a 5 speed. the problem is when i try to turn on my high beams they stay on for 1 second then they shut off by there self. i took it to the dealer today to get checked out and they said it was the multifunction swith(the lever that controls the wipers turnsigals and high beams). they wanted 250 dollars to do it so i bought the part for 50 and did it myself. it still doesnt work, they also said something about not being able to turn the headlights on without the key on. ever since i bought my truck it was like that is yours like that? ANY INFO WOULD HELP!!!

 

Is there a relay to your highbeams? If there is it may be on it's way out. Check into that.

 

im not sure how can i check/find out?

 

I would say check your PDC (power distribution center or w/e it is called, the fuse box inside the engine compartment) and check your owners manual. It may be on the inside of your truck but I doubt it.

 

i will check that in the morning. on your dakota can you turn your lights on without the key being on? the dodge dealer said something about a cmt or ctm do you know anything for that.

thanks for the help

 

I have a Durango but it's all the same... I am pretty sure that I can but I forget, I'll check tonight when I get off of work.

 

CTM. Central Timer Module.
I know they had problems with these (there was a recall for some year 2003 Dakotas and Durangos).
The CTM controls such things as: lighting, power locks, windshield wipers, and horn. Keep in mind, the CTM can be bad and other functions work (such as, the headlight control of the CTM may be bad, but your wipers will still work).
When I first read your post, I thought about brining up the CTM, but, it's important to make sure that the actual CTM is what is bad, not the wiring (because CTM's aren't the cheapest part you'll buy).
*Yet another example of why I don't believe computers belong in cars, but, "without a computer, your lights won't turn off automatically, and all these other neat (useless) features!"*

 

do you know of anyway to test the ctm. everything else works fine, just the highbeams will turn themselves off.

 

also i looked in my manuals and it doesnt say anything about the ctm, where is it located!!

 

"it is concealed behind the trim on the left cowl side inner panel below the instrument panel, where it is secured with three screws."
Its located close to the floor, in front of the door, on the driver side (at least thats where it is on the 2001)
The shop manual doesn't really give a way to check the operation of the CTM, all it shows is to make sure its getting power.
The following is basically, the wiring diagram. Do NOT disconnect a connector from the CTM while the battery is still connected! (I've read in a few places that disconnected a connector from the vehicles computer while the battery is still connected can fry it, and I would believe the same applies here) However, after you disconnect a connector, you can reconnect the battery. This will be useful to make sure the voltage going to the CTM stays steady when you turn the brights on, and the voltage stays steady going out of the CTM when you turn brights on.
Connecter 1 is the biggest connector to the CTM. Connector 3 is the smallest.
Let us know what happens.

[IMG]local://upfiles/948/FE737FE7413D427BBE77C7C8BEAFED8E.jpg[/IMG]